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Community Development ,BA

Community Development, BA

- INACTIVE

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Community Development

American Indian, Determinants, Health, IMPACT, Public Policy, Sustainable, leadership, nonprofit, social, urban

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for other similar program options.


Do you want to make a difference? Prepare for a meaningful career of social importance. The concepts, methods, tools and techniques you learn here will prepare you to help make transformative improvements in your community and in the world.

Program description

The BA program in community development equips students with tools to collaborate with, empower and educate diverse community constituents by drawing on grassroots and inclusive frameworks such as sustainable development, social and environmental justice, participatory democracy, social and economic equity and social accounting.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With over 300 programs in more than 65 countries (programs vary in length, from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students who wish to acquire a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for a future-focused career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

Career opportunities

This degree serves students seeking to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation as well as those wanting to pursue graduate study.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employment for social and community service managers is projected to grow at a 17% rate. Graduates can be expected to pursue employment in community service-oriented careers in the public, private or civil and nonprofit sectors. These may include public relations and fundraising management, social and human service, community recreation, urban and regional planning, social purpose real estate and property development, community health, or serving as community and social service specialists.

In addition to broad employment opportunities, graduates can pursue advanced studies in areas such as nonprofit management, community resources and development, sustainable tourism, social work or public affairs, as well as in criminology and criminal justice.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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